Editor's note: It's time to look back on the top Houston innovation news in recent weeks. From Houston's most valuable startups right now to the top places to retire in 2026, here are the most-read InnovationMap stories from November 16-30:
1. U.S. News names 5 Houston suburbs as the best places to retire in 2026
The Woodlands is the No. 4 best place to retire. Photo courtesy of Visit The Woodlands
Houston-area suburbs should be on the lookout for an influx of retirees in 2026. A new study by U.S. News and World Report has declared The Woodlands and Spring as the fourth and fifth best cities to retire in America, with three other local cities making the top 25. Continue reading.
2. 3 Houston companies land on Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500 list
Three Houston companies ranked on Deloitte's annual list, with two cracking the top 100. Photo via Getty Images
Three Houston companies have made this year’s Deloitte North America Technology Fast 500 list. The report ranks the fastest-growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences, fintech, and energy tech companies in North America. The top Houston company to make the list is Action1 Corp., No. 16, a provider of cybersecurity software. Continue reading.
3. Houston’s 10 most valuable startups revealed in new report
Houston's top startups by valuation range from e-commerce startups to a geothermal pioneer. Photo via Getty Images
The Greater Houston Partnership has released its list of the 10 most valuable startups that are fueling the city’s growth and entrepreneurial energy, including industry giants like Axiom Space and Fervo Energy. The list ranks its top 10 startups by valuation based on the company’s last private funding round, reflected in Pitchbook data, as of October 20 of this year. Continue reading.
4. Houston scores $120M in new cancer research and prevention grants
The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas has doled out 73 more grants to health care systems and companies in the state. Carter Smith/Courtesy of MD Anderson
The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas has granted more than $120 million to Houston organizations and companies as part of 73 new awards issued statewide. The funds are part of nearly $154 million approved by the CPRIT's governing board earlier this month, bringing the organization's total investment in cancer prevention and research to more than $4 billion since its inception. Continue reading.
5. Photos: Highlights from the 2025 Houston Innovation Awards
Congratulations to the 2025 Houston Innovation Awards winners! Photo by Emily Jaschke
The 2025 Houston Innovation Awards season came to a close on November 13 at InnovationMap's annual awards program and networking event. A full house of attendees gathered to celebrate the best and brightest in Houston innovation right now. Continue reading.